#1 - Mt Wellington (Kunanyi)

It’s a huge mountain – 1200m tall – and it is the first thing you see as you drive into Hobart.

It only takes 30 minutes from Hobart to its summit, and there is plenty of parking up top. Although as you can imagine it is often at its busiest after snowfalls.

On the summit are some fantastic lookouts from which you’ll enjoy panoramic views down to Hobart, up the Derwent Valley and across to the Tasman Peninsula.

Pro tip

For a very different snow experience, park at The Springs and go for a bushwalk in the snow! There are plenty of tracks criss-crossing the mountain, and you can even climb to the summit via the Zig Zag Track if you’re keen!

The road to the summit is narrow and has lots of twists and turns – the views on the way up are almost as good as from the top – but it is completely safe so long as you drive slowly and make room for other drivers.

Caravans and long wheelbase motorhomes can be taken to the summit, but in snowy conditions we recommend parking at The Springs instead – rather than possibly creating additional congestion on the mountain.

The road can be closed after heavy snowfalls – check herefor the latest updates. The temperature at the top of the mountain is normally 10°C colder than in Hobart, and strong winds are common – so make sure you pack a lot of warm layers and bring your hardshell jacket.

#2 - Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain would have to be Tasmania’s most famous place for enjoying the snow!

There are so many bushwalking trails in the region that there is guaranteed to be one that suits your style and fitness level. Or you can simply relax in your private hot tuband enjoy the alpine views.

Pro tip

Cradle Mountain is 7km from Cradle Mountain Village and most accommodation options.

You can drive in by car – campervans and caravans are not permitted – however parking is very limited. A more convenient option is to take the shuttle bus. The shuttle is free for anyone with a valid National Parks Pass.

There are plenty of easy walks near the Interpretation Centre, while the most popular walk is Dove Lake Circuit (2 hours) at the foot of Cradle Mountain. It is simply stunning when there is snow on the peaks of Cradle Mountain high above.

For the best views and photos of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake, climb up to Hanson’s Peak – you won’t regret it!

Access to Cradle Mountain Village is an easy drive from Devonport (1.5 hours), Launceston (2 hours), and Hobart (4 hours).

Warning

Keep an eye on the weather forecast, dress for the conditions and pack extra layers in your backpack.

It is rare, but visitors have died from hypothermia when bushwalking in the Cradle Mountain area because they didn’t check the weather forecast and didn’t bring the right gear/clothing.

Cradle Mountain Webcam

Dove Lake is a reasonable distance from most accommodation options back at the Village.

Checking the Cradle Mountain webcam before you leave will help you see if there are car park spaces available, and if you’re a photographer it can show you what the weather conditions are like, possibly saving you a wasted trip.

#3 - Ben Lomond National Park

Ben Lomond is located in Tasmania’s northern midlands and is visible for miles around, its steep cliff-sides soaring into the sky.

It’s a 1.5 hour drive from Launceston, and together with Mt Field is home to one of Tasmania’s two ski fields.

Access to the plateau at 1300m is via the spectacular ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ – a series of hairpins and switchbacks that inch its way up the mountainside.

Pro tip

Before returning, stop at the lookout at the top of Jacob’s Ladder for some epic photos!

In summer access via the unsealed road is easy for all vehicles, but in winter there are strict rules on access to the ski fields due to the crazy terrain.

Check the official website for all the details, but the most important requirement is that from June to September it is mandatory for all vehicles to carry snow chains, and that you know how to fit them correctly.

But don’t worry if you don’t have snow chains, as there is a shuttle bus that will take you to the top for a fee.

The plateau is beautiful, and even in the depths of winter there’s a good chance you’ll spot wombats and wallabies in the snow!

Unlike Mt Field, Ben Lomond has a shop at the top where you can purchase hot food and drinks.

#4 - Mt Field National Park (Mt Mawson Ski Field)

Mt Field National Park is a stunning part of Tasmania, and it is also home to one of Tasmania’s two ski fields – Mt Mawson Ski Fields.

It’s slightly more difficult to access than most other options in Tasmania, but the reward is worth it!

Pro tip

The Tarn Shelf bushwalk is one of Tasmania’s most picturesque. It’s a great way to explore the region, and get your snow fix at the same time.

Most people that visit Mt Field will stop at the Visitor Centre and then do the short walk to Russell Falls – but to get to Mt Mawson Ski Field keep driving past the Visitor Centre and up the narrow unsealed road for around 30-45 minutes to the car park at Lake Dobson.

Follow the Pandani Grove Nature Walk on foot around the shores of Lake Dobson before heading uphill on the Urquhart Track for another 30 minutes to the cosy, and totally brand new day shelter near the ski fields.

For more information about the ski fields, including ticket prices, click here.

Of course, if you just want to have a play in the snow it’s totally free!

#6 - Central Highlands

Tasmania’s Central Highlands is the land of a thousand lakes, and winter often brings snow to Miena, Liawenee, Derwent Bridge and Bronte Park.

There isn’t one specific location where you should go to enjoy the snow in the Central Highlands. Instead, we recommend a day trip through the region between historic Bothwell in the south and Great Lake in the north – or stay at Thousand Lakes Lodge for a couple of nights.

Central Highlands Webcams

Fishing is a Big Deal in Tasmania’s central highlands, and the Anglers Alliance have a number of webcams dotted across the lakes.

They are perfect for snow-spotting, and you’ll find all the central highlands webcams here:

#7 - The Overland Track

We’ve already described Cradle Mountain as one of the best places for snow in Tasmania, but did you know that Cradle Mountain is where the Overland Track starts?

This walking track is more than 60km long and passes through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area between Cradle Mountain in the north and Lake St Clair in the south.

Pro tip

The Overland Track is challenging in summer, let alone winter. Only attempt this multi-day walk if you have extensive bushwalking experience, equipment and clothing.

Most walkers complete the trail in summer, but if you’re an experienced bushwalker and have the right gear for camping in alpine conditions, then the Overland Track may well be the best experience of your life!

Barn Bluff, Waterfall Valley, Helion Plains and the Acropolis…this is pristine wilderness at its finest, and it is like a fairyland under a blanket of snow.

Would you like to experience the Overland Track with a hiking and photography professional? This 6-Day Overland Track Tour is hosted by one of Tasmania’s finest landscape photographers. Amazing photos guaranteed!

Stay safe

Take care if you are the first to drive on a road covered in snow – even more so if the road is unsealed and in a remote area.

Drive to your capabilities and don’t be afraid to back out if you feel unsure. You can always return another day!

Don’t forget to pack for cold conditions – the weather can change from blue skies to storms within 30 minutes.

We’ve also got a fantastic little community on Facebook who are super keen to help you with road trip inspiration and advice. It’s the perfect place to ask questions and to plan an awesome itinerary that perfectly suits your style of travel – Click here to join our Facebook group.

We hope this guide to seeing the snow in Tasmania has helped you plan your Tassie road trip. If you’ve got any questions at all please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.

Happy road tripping!

Andrew.

Travel planning resources

Tasmania’s remote location means there are internet ‘black spots’ across the island.

A hard copy travel guide or map is the perfect backup, and we love the range from Lonely Planet.

Andrew Strikis

Andrew is an award-winning travel writer and photographer from Tasmania. Over the last 10 years he has been an advocate for Tasmanian tourism, working with and supporting many of Tasmania's prominent organisations such as Tourism Northern Tasmania, Hobart and Beyond, and MONA. Together with his wife he enjoys exploring Tasmania by road, and he looks forward to helping others plan and enjoy their own Lap of Tasmania road trip.

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